"Bankim Babu" vs "Bankim Da": BJP-TMC clash over Vande Mataram creator.

• Lok Sabha saw a heated debate between BJP and TMC over 'Vande Mataram', focusing on West Bengal politics.
• TMC accused PM Modi of disrespecting Bankim Chandra Chatterjee by calling him "Bankim Da" instead of "Bankim Babu."
• PM Modi agreed to use "Bankim Babu" and playfully asked if he could still call TMC leader Saugata Roy "Dada."
• TMC criticized BJP for allegedly demeaning Bengal's cultural heritage, while BJP counter-accused TMC of the same.
• Congress MP suggested installing a statue of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Parliament and criticized BJP for using nationalism for "votebank politics."

Why It Matters: Bengal politics weaponizes cultural figures and symbols for electoral gain.